How is the Connecticut weekly benefit amount calculated?

Connecticut averages your two highest-earning quarters in the base period and divides that average by 26. The result, rounded down to the nearest dollar, is your weekly benefit rate, subject to a state minimum of $15 and a maximum near $721 that is indexed each year.

What is the maximum unemployment benefit in Connecticut?

For 2024-25 the Connecticut maximum weekly benefit amount is about $721, before any dependency allowance. The maximum is adjusted annually based on the statewide average wage, so check the CT Department of Labor for the current figure when you file.

What is the Connecticut dependency allowance?

Connecticut adds $15 per week for each dependent, up to five dependents, for an extra $75 maximum. The allowance plus your base weekly benefit cannot exceed 100% of your average weekly wage, so this tool trims the allowance when that cap is reached.

How long can I collect unemployment in Connecticut?

The standard maximum duration in Connecticut is 26 weeks of regular state benefits. Your total potential benefit is roughly your weekly amount multiplied by 26, though additional federal extensions may apply during periods of high unemployment.

What is the base period for Connecticut unemployment?

The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. Connecticut uses the two highest-earning quarters within that window to set your benefit, so a strong recent earnings history raises your weekly amount.

Connecticut Unemployment Benefit Estimator

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This estimator applies Connecticut’s unemployment-insurance formula to your recent wage history. Enter your earnings for each base-period quarter and it returns the weekly benefit Connecticut would likely pay, including the dependency allowance and the 26-week total.

How it works

Connecticut bases the benefit on your two highest-earning quarters:

weekly benefit = average of two highest base-period quarters ÷ 26
               = (q_high1 + q_high2) ÷ 2 ÷ 26

The result is rounded down to the nearest dollar, then bounded by the state minimum ($15) and the maximum (about $721 for 2024-25, indexed annually). A dependency allowance of $15 per dependent, up to five, is added — but the total of the benefit plus allowance cannot exceed 100% of your average weekly wage.

Example

Suppose your two highest quarters were $12,000 and $12,000. Their average is $12,000, and $12,000 ÷ 26 = $461 (rounded down). With two dependents you add $30, giving a weekly benefit of $491. Over the standard 26 weeks that is about $12,766 in total benefits, well under the state maximum.

Notes

This is an estimate. Actual eligibility depends on meeting minimum base-period earnings, the reason for separation, and ongoing work-search and availability requirements set by the Connecticut Department of Labor. The maximum weekly amount and any federal extensions change over time. File and confirm your exact figures at the CT DOL ReEmployCT portal.